“So…your hearing is in a week,” the lawyer was saying. “And I got one for Kanesha. You’re pretty much a slam dunk, once you sign the lease on an apartment. You have one, so… She…”

“We can’t do what you suggested. We aren’t ready yet and I…take that kind of thing seriously.”

She nodded. “It was worth suggesting, but I was rather hoping you wouldn’t say yes. Too many people rush their relationships.”

“Exactly, and I don’t want to lose her…and a measure of my own honor.”

“There’s no way you’re really seventeen,” she quipped.

I laughed. “That’s what my ID says.” But I didn’t have a birth certificate. I wasn’t sure I could even prove I was a US citizen.

Actually, thinking about it, I was an illegal alien. The thought was vaguely amusing.

“I think they missed a year or two. Given your circumstances.”

“No. I got…I found some stuff out about my family,” I admitted. “But they can’t take me in.”

She nodded. “Money, I suppose. It’s usually about money.”

It was all about money I thought. Now the question was how Tyz’vel would attempt to disrupt the hearing.

Or would he? It might be in his interest to see me declared a legal adult. Or not something he’d want to stop.

“Yeah, it’s about money. But at least I know something about what I still can’t remember.”

Soon, the raven had promised. But it had been Foresight that had promised. I’d rather hear it from Memory.

“That’s good. It’s a…who are they?”

I shook my head. “It…they don’t want to be in my life in that sense, and they have good reason.”

I couldn’t tell her the truth. Telling Fitz had been enough of a risk.
“They don’t want you because you’re gay.”

I decided not to disillusion her on that for now. I knew how far from the truth it was, although I did correct one thing. “Bi. Not gay.”

“You know how it is. You’re with a girl, so everyone’s going to see gay.”

I winced. “I know you’re right. But I’m not sure I like it.”

“You shouldn’t. But you’ll have to live with it from some sources.”

I knew she was right.